Common Names

Origin

Native to tropical western Africa (i.e. from Morocco to Chad) and also extending into some parts of central and eastern Africa (i.e. the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania).

Naturalised Distribution

Locally naturalised in south-eastern Queensland, but may be more widespread than current records indicate as it is easily mistaken for mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata).

Notes

African bowstring hemp (Sansevieria liberica) is an emerging environmental weed in Queensland, which causes similar problems to mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata ). This succulent species is commonly cultivated as a garden plant and is regularly dumped in garden waste, from where it spreads into bushland and forms dense colonies. For example, a large population is present in open woodland vegetation in the Enoggera Creek Reserve in Ashgrove in Brisbane. Photographic evidence would also seem to suggest that naturalised populations may also be present in the Townsville region (e.g. on Magnetic Island).

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to ensure you have the latest version of this fact sheet. The control methods referred to in this fact sheet should be used in accordance with the restrictions (federal and state legislation, and local government laws) directly or indirectly related to each control method.
These restrictions may prevent the use of one or more of the methods referred to, depending on individual circumstances. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, DEEDI does not invite reliance upon it, nor accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by actions based on it.